1959 Saskatoon Adilman Aces

Team (1987)

Basketball

Canadian Women's Basketball Champions

In the Canadian championship semi-finals, the Aces defeated a strong Toronto club to advance to the championship final and end the nine-year domination of the Canadian Champions, Vancouver Eilers, in a thrilling 55-49 play-off win. The Saskatoon squad, in their renowned never-say-die manner, came from behind taking the lead in the closing three minutes, 10 seconds to clinch the Canadian championship. Judy (Holt) Vance was the only Aces' player named to the All-Star team at the end of the tournament.

With the impressive victory, the Aces placed five players, Pat Lawson, Judy (Holt) Vance, Lena (Fior) Walshe, Judy Jenkin and Audrey (Campbell) Coben, along with both Jack Adilman and Bob Stayner on the 1959 Canadian Pan-American Team.

The Aces were also the first team to be recognized by the City of Saskatoon with a special award given for winning a national sports championship. Members received a special city signet ring for their accomplishment.

Front row: Arlene (Raycroft) McGinn, Myrna (Needham) Levorson, Carol (Lambert) Josephson, Olga (Kostiniuk) Salewich.
Second row: Judy (Holt) Vance, Audrey (Campbell) Coben **, Bob Stayner ** (Coach), Keith Coviello (Statistician), Jack Adilman ** (Coach and Sponsor), Marlene Ackerman, Pat Lawson.
Third row: Eleanor (Edwards) McIntyre, Judy Jenkin **, Lee (Fior) Walshe, Arlene (Slewchuk) Diduck

** Deceased